Why register?

The registration of tenancies enables the RTB to collect important data on the rental sector. It is also a key part of regulating and supporting the sector.

The benefits of registration

Avoiding a late fee - landlords who register their tenancy within one month of the tenancy commencing or the registration renewal date can avoid a late fee;

Access a range of RTB services – once registered access is available to the RTB dispute resolution services. There is no fee for mediation, and a fee of €15 for adjudication if the application is made online and €25 if the application is sent by post;

Landlords can claim mortgage interest relief for their property;

Landlords can claim the registration fee as an allowable expense.

The tenant may require proof of their tenancy for a number of State Agencies. If a tenancy is not registered a tenant may have difficulty in proving residency which could negatively impact any application they may have for residency, college places, bank loans etc. A tenant may find it difficult to apply for tax allowances or rebates.

It is a landlords’ legal responsibility to register their tenancy. Failure to register can result in a criminal conviction

An application for dispute resolution cannot be accepted from a landlord if the tenancy is not registered. However, a dispute application can be accepted from a tenant irrespective of whether or not the tenancy is registered.

Penalties for non registration

A person who does not comply with their responsibility to register their tenancy/ tenancies faces a criminal conviction and a fine of up to €4000 and/ or 6 months imprisonment, if convicted. In addition to the Court imposed fines, the landlord will also have to pay the RTB’s legal costs which can be in the region of €2,500 plus VAT per case.

The RTB does not wish to prosecute landlords. We will work with landlords to assist them in registering their tenancies if they contact us on receipt of the formal notification and in advance of any summons issuing. However, if a summons has issued then the case will go to Court.